Texas Tech University Athletics
No Place Like Home
September 12, 2002 | Women's Volleyball
The decision to leave home can be a frightening one for anyone at any age, especially for an 18-year-old. Yet, every year thousands of 18-year-olds eagerly head off to college, many of them leaving home for the first time. But sometimes life delivers a few surprises when some choose, instead, to remain planted where they are.
Not quite a native of the Hub City, junior Angela Mooney moved to West Texas in her freshman year of high school. A product of Monterey, Mooney has always wanted to attend Texas Tech but not for the obvious reason.
"I actually wanted to play basketball for the Lady Raiders," the outside hitter said. "But I've always wanted to come to Tech even before I wanted to play volleyball."
Life, instead, had other ideas. Mooney started playing volleyball for a club team in ninth grade that was being coached by none other than Tech's own Jeff Nelson.
"I really liked the way Jeff coaches," the 6-foot junior said. "And it turned out to be a perfect situation for me. Playing for a Big 12 school and being able to look up into the stands and see my family, my high school coaches and former teammates at the games has been one of the best things."
Mooney returns for her third season as one of the team's leading hitters and will be relied upon for leadership on the court. The outside hitter has played 21 games this season and is currently second on the team in attacks; blocks assists; and serve aces, and third on the team with 68 kills (3.24 per game).
A "true middle," Christina Miller is one of five freshmen middle blockers competing for playing time on the squad this season. The former Coronado product was prepared for college life away from home when she received a call that changed her future.
"I was going to play for a junior college in Missouri on a full scholarship," the 18-year-old Miller said. "But out of the blue I got a call from Tech to play for them. It was then that I decided to stay in Lubbock to be closer to my family and friends."
Although the 6-foot middle blocker joined the Red Raiders as a walk-on, Miller will have plenty of opportunities to play along side senior Stacey Poole who is the lone upperclassman middle blocker on the court.
Like teammate Miller, freshman Katie Halley gave up a full-ride to stay close to her family and took her chances as a walk-on.
"I had a full scholarship to play for the Air Force Academy," the 6-foot Halley said. "But I really wanted to play volleyball for Tech."
So far, Halley has played in three games, pacing herself up the depth chart with two kills (.67 per game) on the season.
Lubbock native Randi Trew is also a new addition to the young Red Raiders squad. The former Monterey product is redshirting her freshman year and played on the Texas Power club team with Halley and Miller.
At the helm of the successful Tech volleyball program is coach Jeff Nelson who is in his eighth season. The Red Raiders went 18-14 last season to finish in a tie for sixth place in the Big 12. The team received a bid into the NCAA Regional for the second consecutive season, and fifth under Nelson, before falling to Utah in the first round.
With eight fresh faces on the squad this season, coach Nelson is pleased with the new recruited talents.
"They are doing a good job," coach Nelson said. "They're getting better and contributing in every game."
This season consist of four local talents, the most ever recruited by the successful coach.
"I think that if they are good enough to play, they'll be great for us," coach Nelson said. "It also definitely stirs up local interest."
Mooney was the first local talent coach Nelson recruited and she has made a significant impact on the team.
"Angela has done a great job here," Nelson said. "She's a hard worker and puts a lot of pride in it."
With a combination of veteran experience and fresh new talents this year, the Red Raiders are once again a Big 12 contender.
"The Big 12 is a deep and strong conference," the head coach said. "I think it is anybody's game this season. We have a good opportunity to move up in the conference as long as we compete every night."
Nothing in life, if ever, goes as we plan. They can change at a moment's notice and these hometown Red Raiders are a testament to it. Grounded in family and friends, these West Texas natives have shown they can take on any surprises that life hands their way. They have shown that there's no place like home.
